By Brandi Watters, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
INGALLS , Ind.— The Town Council has fired the town administrator, but not all members agree with the decision.
Clerk-treasurer Kip Golden said the position of town administrator Bill Rhodes was eliminated in Thursday’s special meeting of the council, terminating his employment with the town.
Council member Tim Green said the town began to suspect Rhodes of alleged wrongdoing in mid-January.
“I can tell you that there has been an investigation and that the town marshal has been made aware of some instances,” Green said.
Although Golden wouldn’t reveal the cause for the firing, he did say the decision was based on Rhodes’ performance as town administrator.
Only three votes were cast to fire Rhodes because two council members walked out on the meeting, refusing to discuss or vote on the matter, according to Green.
Town Council President Doug Dowden and board member Rick Corbin left the meeting before the votes were cast.
Council members Cheryl Martin, Joy Orr and Green voted to eliminate the position, effectively firing Rhodes.
“I just didn’t approve of it. Bill Rhodes has saved the town a lot of money. We haven’t borrowed any money from the water department since he’s been here,” Corbin said of his decision to walk out on the vote.
Green is confident in the decision to terminate Rhodes since he was the one who first discovered alleged problems with Rhodes’ performance.
“I brought the information to the council that I discovered ... It was disturbing,” Green said.
Corbin said he must talk to a lawyer before discussing the issue at length, but said the Town Council is at odds over Rhodes’ firing.
“We’re really split on everything,” Corbin said.
Green said the town has hired Ingalls reverend Jack Stout to serve as the interim town manager as the town searches for a full-time manager.
Rhodes and Dowden couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday.
Green said he cannot speak about his findings unless the topic is raised during a regular council meeting.
He hopes residents of Ingalls will attend the meeting and ask questions about the issue, giving the Town Council the freedom to discuss their decision openly.
“It’s open for anybody to come in and ask. Until somebody brings it up in an open meeting, we can’t discuss it,” Green said.
Contact Brandi Watters 640-4847, brandi.watters@heraldbulletin.com
The next board meeting
When: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.
Where: Ingalls Town Hall
Call to get on the agenda at (317) 485-4321
